Chapter 1

The room was small and modest, its walls worn but clean, with peeling paint that hinted at years of struggle. The faint scent of incense lingered in the air, a small attempt to mask the dampness that crept in from the slum outside. A single window, covered by a thin, frayed curtain, let in slivers of moonlight, casting a soft glow over the sparse furnishings. A rickety wooden bed dominated the space, its frame creaking slightly under their weight. A small dresser stood in the corner, its surface cluttered with a few personal items: a comb, a jar of hair oil, and a small, cracked mirror. Despite the poverty, the room was tidy, a testament to their pride and care for the little they had.

Leo sat on the edge of the bed, his broad shoulders tense as he stared at the floor. His six-foot frame was imposing even in stillness, his dark skin glistening faintly in the moonlight. The lion head tattoo on his back seemed to ripple with the movement of his muscles, its fierce eyes a stark contrast to the vulnerability in his expression. The lion paw tattoos spiraling down his right arm, from shoulder to wrist, added to his aura of strength, each paw print a symbol of his resilience. His red dreads, untied lying on his chest and back, were adorned with small metal beads that clicked softly as he turned his head. The stubble on his face gave him a rugged look, but his eyes were soft as he glanced over his shoulder at Aurora.

Aurora sat behind him, her white micro braids cascading down her back like a waterfall of snow. Her dark skin seemed to glow in the dim light, and the white rose tattoo that descended from her left shoulder to her wrist stood out like a delicate work of art. She pressed her breasts against Leo's back, her hands gently caressing his chest as she leaned in, her voice a soft whisper. "Come back to bed," she murmured, her lips brushing against his shoulder. "We can pick it up where we left off."

Leo sighed, his deep voice tinged with regret. "It's tempting, trust me. But I gotta go fight. You know that."

Aurora slid back, her arms wrapping around her legs as she hugged them to her chest. Her expression shifted, the playful glint in her eyes replaced by worry. "I wish you didn't," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly. "Every time you go out there, I… I can't stop thinking about what could happen."

Leo turned to face her, his large hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek. "I get it, Aurora. I know you're worried. But we need the money. You know how it is." He gave her a small, reassuring smile, his thumb brushing against her skin. "And you know I'm strong. I can handle myself out there."

Aurora forced a smile, her lips curving upward even as her eyes betrayed her fear. "I know you are," she said quietly. "I just… I just wish things were different, like I dont know a different job. The scouts Leo."

Before Leo could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the small house, the sound cutting through the quiet like a knife. Both of them froze, their eyes darting toward the door. Leo's expression hardened, his body tensing as he stood, his movements deliberate and controlled. Aurora's hands tightened around her legs, her knuckles whitening as she watched him.

Leo grabbed a pair of worn trousers from the floor and pulled them on, his mind already shifting to the fight ahead. He glanced back at Aurora, his voice low but firm. "I'll be back soon. Promise."

Aurora nodded, her forced smile faltering as she watched him head toward the door. The room felt colder without him, the weight of their circumstances pressing down on her.

Leo opened the door having added a tshirt and college jacket on himself, to find his little brother, Amani, standing there, his face lit up with excitement. The seven-year-old boy had the same striking red hair as Leo, though his was cut short and curled tightly against his scalp. His dark skin glowed under the dim light of the slum, and his wide, innocent eyes sparkled with admiration for his older brother. Amani bounced on his toes, barely able to contain his energy.

"Leo! Leo!" Amani called out, his voice high-pitched and eager. "Can I come with you? Please? I wanna watch you fight! I promise I'll be good!"

Leo's expression softened as he looked down at his little brother, but he shook his head firmly. "Not yet, Amani. You know the rules. I can't bring guests to watch me fight. It's not safe, and it's not allowed."

Amani's face fell, his excitement replaced by disappointment. "But I wanna see you win! You're the strongest, Leo! I know you'll beat everyone!"

Leo crouched down to Amani's level, placing a hand on his shoulder. "That means everything, lil man. And one day, I'll take you with me. But not yet, okay? Stay here with Aurora and Kelly. Keep them safe for me."

Amani pouted but nodded reluctantly. "Okay… but you better win, Leo."

Leo chuckled, ruffling Amani's curly hair. "I always do." He stood up, gave Aurora a quick glance, and then stepped out into the night, closing the door behind him.

Amani watched him go, his small shoulders slumping. He turned to Aurora, who was still sitting on the bed covered in her blanket, and gave her a quick wave. "Bye, Aurora!"

Aurora managed a small smile, though her worry was evident. "Stay out of trouble, Amani."

The little boy didn't respond, already darting out of the house and into the narrow, muddy streets of the slum. He weaved through the maze of temporary iron sheet houses, his bare feet avoiding the larger puddles as he made his way to the house next door. Inside, he found his baby sister, Kelly, sitting on the floor, tinkering with a small, intricate device. At six years old, Kelly was already showing signs of being a prodigy, her clever hands always busy with some new invention.

"Kelly!" Amani whispered loudly, crouching down beside her. "I'm going into the city!"

Kelly looked up, her big eyes narrowing with suspicion. "You're not allowed to go, Amani. You'll get into trouble."

Amani grinned mischievously. "Not if you don't tell on me. Come on, Kelly, I need one of your inventions. The stink bomb one. Please?"

Kelly hesitated, her small fingers clutching the device she was working on. "But it's not ready yet. And it's dangerous."

"It's not dangerous! It's just stinky!" Amani pleaded. "Please, Kelly? I'll owe you big time!"

Kelly sighed, clearly torn between her loyalty to her brother and her sense of responsibility. Finally, she reached into a small box beside her and pulled out a tiny, round device. "Fine. But if you get caught, don't say I didn't warn you."

Amani snatched the stink bomb with a triumphant grin. "You're the best, Kelly!" He gave her a quick hug before darting out of the house, the stink bomb clutched tightly in his hand.

The streets of the slum were alive with the sounds of night, muffled conversations, the clatter of pots, and the occasional cry of a baby. Amani moved quickly, his small frame slipping through the shadows until he reached the line of people waiting to enter the city. The crack at the base of the massive wall was the only way in, and it was heavily guarded by the ,Scouts, a police force dressed in crisp uniforms but unarmed, or rather they were the arms. They checked each person for weapons, their eyes sharp and calculating, before accepting bribes and allowing them to pass.

Amani knew he'd never be allowed through normally. He was just a kid, and the Scouts would turn him away in an instant. But he had a plan. He waited until he was close enough to the checkpoint, his heart pounding with excitement and fear. Then, with a quick flick of his wrist, he activated the stink bomb and tossed it toward the Scouts.

The device exploded with a soft pop

, releasing a thick, opaque gas that spread rapidly. The smell was immediate and overwhelming a noxious, eye-watering stench that made everyone nearby gag and cough. The Scouts stumbled back, waving their hands in front of their faces as they tried to clear the air.

Amani didn't waste a second. He darted forward, slipping through the chaos and into the crack in the wall. The city beyond was a stark contrast to the slum bright lights, towering buildings, and the hum of activity. Amani grinned to himself, his small chest swelling with pride. He was in.

Now, all he had to do was find Leo and watch him fight.

Amani's eyes widened as he stepped further into the city, his small frame dwarfed by the towering buildings and dazzling lights that surrounded him. The air was alive with energy, the hum of activity a stark contrast to the quiet, muddy streets of the slum. He marveled at the sophistication of it all: the sleek vehicles gliding silently along the roads, the glowing signs advertising luxuries he could only dream of, and the lavish houses that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. For a moment, he forgot why he had come, his young mind captivated by the wonder of the city.

But the sight of Scouts patrolling up ahead snapped him back to reality. Their crisp uniforms and sharp eyes sent a jolt of fear through him, and he quickly darted into a nearby alleyway, pressing himself against the wall as they passed. His heart pounded in his chest, but he couldn't help feeling a thrill of excitement. He was in the city, and he was going to see Leo fight.

Once the Scouts were gone, Amani climbed up the side of a building with surprising agility, his small hands finding holds in the cracks and crevices of the wall. When he reached the top, he paused to catch his breath, his eyes scanning the horizon. In the distance, he saw a burst of fireworks lighting up the night sky, their colorful explosions illuminating the silhouette of a massive structure, the Coliseum. A grin spread across his face. That's where Leo would be.

But before he could make his way toward the Coliseum, a low hum caught his attention. He turned to see a sleek, futuristic drone hovering nearby, its lights blinking rhythmically. The drone was unlike anything Amani had ever seen, its design sleek and cool, and it seemed to be beckoning him. Intrigued, he followed it as it floated away, leading him to the edge of the building.

Peering over the edge, Amani saw a boy about his age standing on the balcony of a luxurious mansion one story below. The boy held a remote control in his hands, his fingers moving deftly as he guided the drone. When he noticed Amani watching him, he smiled warmly, his face lighting up with curiosity.

Amani hesitated for a moment, then vanished from the boy's sight, ducking back behind the edge of the building. The boy's smile faltered, replaced by a look of disappointment as he thought Amani had run away. But then, to his astonishment, Amani reappeared, sprinting toward the edge of the building and leaping off with fearless determination.

The boy's eyes widened as Amani soared through the air, clearing the thirty-foot gap between the buildings with ease. He landed gracefully on the balcony, his bare feet barely making a sound as he touched down. The boy stared at him, his mouth hanging open in shock.

"How… how did you do that?" the boy stammered, his voice filled with awe.

Amani shrugged, brushing off the question as if it were nothing. "I just can," he said simply, his attention already shifting to the drone and the array of toys scattered across the balcony. "Is this yours?" he asked, pointing to the drone.

The boy nodded, still staring at Amani in amazement. "Yeah, it's mine. I'm Breon, by the way. What's your name?"

"Amani," he replied, already crouching down to examine the toys. They were unlike anything he had ever seen: gleaming, high-tech gadgets that whirred and beeped as he touched them. Breon watched with a smile as Amani's curiosity took over, his earlier disappointment forgotten.

The two boys quickly fell into a rhythm, playing together as if they had known each other for years. Breon showed Amani how to control the drone, while Amani demonstrated his agility by leaping and flipping around the balcony. For a moment, the world outside faded away, and it was just the two of them, lost in their own little adventure.

But unbeknownst to them, their every move was being watched. Inside the mansion, in a dimly lit room filled with monitors, a black woman in a sleek suit observed them through multiple surveillance camera angles. Her expression was unreadable, her sharp eyes taking in every detail. She leaned back in her chair, her fingers steepled in front of her as she considered the scene before her.

"Interesting," she murmured to herself, her voice low and measured. "Very interesting."

Meanwhile, the Coliseum was a roaring sea of excitement, its massive structure packed to the brim with 100,000 spectators, all dressed in their finest attire. Women in elegant gowns and men in tailored suits filled the stands, their eyes hidden behind special goggles that allowed them to perceive the inhuman speeds of the combatants below. The air buzzed with anticipation, the crowd eager for the spectacle about to unfold. This was no place for the poor; it was a world of opulence and extravagance, where the elite gathered to witness the clash of titans.

The first contender entered the arena, her presence commanding immediate attention. Apoy, a young woman with tanned skin and a toned, muscular physique, strode confidently into the Coliseum. She wore a sports bra and shorts, her hair tied back into a practical ponytail. The commentator's voice boomed through the arena, announcing her as a warrior of unparalleled prowess, a fighter who had earned her name through sheer strength and countless victories. The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable.

Then, from the opposite entrance, Leo emerged. He looked almost out of place, dressed in his casual pants, a t-shirt, and a college jacket, as if he had just wandered into the arena by accident. But the commentator's introduction quickly dispelled any doubts about his presence. "Ladies and gentlemen, the Blazing King! An undiscovered prodigy, a young master whose potential knows no bounds!" The crowd roared again, their curiosity piqued by the enigmatic young man who seemed so unprepared yet so confident.

As Leo walked into the arena, two Scouts took their seats in the audience. Unlike the rest of the crowd, they didn't wear the special goggles. The female Scout, her expression slightly sinister, leaned toward her male counterpart. "You must really like him," she said, her voice dripping with implication.

The male Scout, his face stoic, replied flatly, "I don't know what you're talking about."

The female Scout smirked, her eyes narrowing. "Are you sure?" she pressed, her tone teasing.

The male Scout didn't respond, his gaze fixed on Leo as he stepped into the arena. The female Scout's smirk widened. "Alright then, I'm sure you won't mind me killing him right after this match."

The male Scout turned to her, his voice low but laced with anger. "You won't do shit."

The female Scout grinned, her expression almost predatory. "You're not good at this, but you're right. I won't do much, at least, not now." She turned her attention back to the arena, where Leo and Apoy now stood about five meters apart, the tension between them palpable. "Anyway, the fight's about to start."

The commentator's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Fight!"

Apoy wasted no time. She dashed forward with blinding speed, her leg igniting with flames as she launched a fiery kick aimed directly at Leo's face. But Leo leaned back casually, the attack missing him by inches. Apoy slid to the side, her eyes narrowing in surprise. Her attacks usually landed with devastating effect, either ending the fight instantly or leaving her opponents too stunned to recover. But Leo had dodged it effortlessly, and what's more, she could tell he was perceiving her movements with ease, despite her incredible speed.

She leaped at him again, her fists now engulfed in jets of fire. She unleashed a barrage of punches, each one faster and more ferocious than the last, but Leo dodged them all with smooth, fluid movements, his expression calm and collected. Frustrated, Apoy jumped back, her chest heaving as she glared at him. "Are you just going to dodge all day?" she snapped. "Attack already!"

Leo chuckled, his voice light and almost playful. "I mean, sure." In an instant, he closed the distance between them, his fist slamming into her stomach with such speed and force that she couldn't even perceive it. The impact sent her flying across the arena, her body crashing through stone pillars and rocks before she finally slammed into a wall and crumpled to the ground.

The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement reaching a fever pitch. Leo stood calmly, his grin widening as Apoy struggled to rise, her vision blurry and her body trembling. She managed to prop herself up on her arms, her eyes filled with a mix of pain and disbelief as she stared at him.

Leo's voice was calm, and full of pride. "Those eyes… I've seen them before. I know what you're thinking. No, it's not that you didn't react fast enough. It's that you can't." As he spoke, his pupils glowed a fiery red, his aura overwhelming and suffocating.

Apoy snapped out of her daze, her instincts kicking in. She flipped over the rubble, landing behind a large rock and using it as cover. With a fierce yell, she ignited her fist and punched the rock, reducing it to dust and creating a thick cloud that enveloped Leo. She used the dust as cover, charging another attack, but once again, Leo dodged effortlessly, stepping out of the cloud and coughing as he waved the dust away.

Apoy was nowhere to be seen, but Leo simply smiled. He jumped to the side just as she reappeared, her fist slamming into the ground where he had stood moments earlier, creating a massive crater. She turned to him, her frustration mounting. "How?!" she demanded, her voice trembling with anger and confusion.

Leo shrugged, his tone almost casual. "Well then, shall we end this? I really don't wanna traumatize you more than you already are."

His words ignited a fury in Apoy. How could he be so arrogant, so dismissive? Her anger fueled her flames, her fists igniting with even greater intensity as she prepared to unleash her full power. But before she could move, Leo was already in front of her. His fist connected with her face, the force of the blow sending her flying across the arena once more. She slammed into the wall with a deafening crash, her flames extinguished as she slumped to the ground, unconscious.

The crowd went wild, their cheers deafening as Leo turned to them, a triumphant smile on his face. He gave a casual wave before walking out of the arena, his demeanor calm and collected, as if he had just finished a casual workout rather than a brutal fight.

In the stands, the male Scout watched Leo leave, a look of concern crossing his face. "Damn, "he thought. "He didn't even use his fire this time. You're making it too obvious, kid."